Brandon Aiyuk re-entered the NFL news cycle again this week. After hiring a new agent, Drew Rosenhaus, Aiyuk applied for reinstatement to the NFL and met with the San Francisco 49ers on Friday. Despite their need at receiver, don’t expect the 49ers to welcome Aiyuk back. They’ve made it clear that the relationship is over.
For his part, Aiyuk has also vowed never to suit up for San Francisco again. After suffering a knee injury during the 2024 season, Aiyuk hasn’t played since, but is reportedly 100% and ready to return. While publicly feuding with the 49ers for over a year, Aiyuk made it known he wanted to play with the Washington Commanders.
The primary reason that Aiyuk was such a Washington fan and wanted to play for the Commanders was quarterback
Jayden Daniels. The two were close friends, dating back to their one season together at Arizona State. However, last summer, Aiyuk posted a video on social media that took aim at Daniels and his relationship with his mother, who is also his agent.
While we don’t know the extent of Aiyuk and Daniels’ relationship currently, that video didn't sit well with Washington’s entire organization. And, according to ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, it is the primary reason you can cross the Commanders off any list of potential Aiyuk suitors.
“I mean, he kind of said some things about Jayden Daniels’ mom,” Fowler said on the “Rich Eisen Show.”
“I can’t imagine that went over well in that locker room or with GM Adam Peters wanting to sign him after that. In fact, I know it didn’t.”
The 49ers will want to move on from Aiyuk immediately now that he’s applied for reinstatement. But Aiyuk didn’t help himself with his social media behavior throughout the summer. Fowler didn’t seem optimistic about his chances of landing somewhere and helping another team, believing he may have to settle for a spot on someone’s practice squad.
The Commanders have been hit hard by injuries at receiver. Whether he's free or not, don't expect Aiyuk in Washington.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Brandon Aiyuk ruined any chance he had to sign with Commanders
